Hurricane Fausto strengthened into a Category 2 storm in the eastern Pacific on Friday as Tropical Storm Genevieve formed further south, with forecasters warning that both systems will require close monitoring over the coming days.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Fausto is expected to move toward the Hawaiian Islands next week, increasing the potential for wind and heavy rainfall impacts. While it remains too early to determine the exact track or severity of any effects, residents and visitors across Hawaii have been advised to closely monitor future forecasts.

Fausto Could Affect Hawaii Next Week

As of Friday, Hurricane Fausto was located approximately 1,385 miles (2,230 kilometers) east of Hilo, Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds of around 105 mph (169 km/h), making it a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

The National Hurricane Center said the risk of impacts across the Hawaiian Islands is increasing, although significant uncertainty remains regarding the storm’s eventual path and intensity as it approaches the region.

“Interests in the Hawaiian Islands should monitor the progress of Fausto,” the NHC said in its latest advisory.

Forecasters expect Fausto to gradually weaken over the coming days as it continues westward across the Pacific. However, even without a direct landfall, the hurricane is forecast to generate powerful ocean swells capable of producing dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents.

Dangerous Surf Expected Along Southern California

Long-period swells generated by Hurricane Fausto are expected to reach portions of Southern California during the coming days.

These swells could create hazardous beach conditions, including large breaking waves and strong rip currents that pose risks to swimmers, surfers and beachgoers. Authorities typically advise people to exercise caution near the coastline whenever such conditions develop.

Tropical Storm Genevieve Expected to Rapidly Intensify

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Genevieve formed over the eastern Pacific and was located approximately 570 miles (920 kilometers) south of Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of about 50 mph (85 km/h) on Friday. Forecasters expect Genevieve to strengthen rapidly over the next several days as it moves over warm ocean waters in an environment favorable for further development.

At this stage, Genevieve remains well offshore, and no immediate coastal warnings have been issued. Meteorologists will continue monitoring its evolution as forecasts become more certain.

Busy Period for the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season

The development of Fausto and Genevieve comes during an active stretch of the eastern Pacific hurricane season.

Earlier this week, Tropical Storm Bertha affected parts of the U.S. Gulf Coast, bringing heavy surf and localized flooding to southern Louisiana and Texas after making landfall for a second time on Thursday. By Thursday evening, the National Hurricane Center declared Bertha had dissipated.

With two active tropical systems now moving across the Pacific, forecasters continue to urge residents in potentially affected areas to stay informed through official weather updates and preparedness advisories.